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Meghan Markleis celebrating a cause she’s continued to champion from across the pond.
“Congratulations to the entire Smart Works community on 10 incredible years of transforming lives. For the last decade, you have made an indelible mark on women across the UK who have walked into your doors in need of more than just an outfit — they needed someone to believe in them. As I’ve said before, you provide much more than a handout, at Smart Works you provide a hand held,” Meghan began the heartfeltstatement, which the organization shared on its website.
“Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand the unforgettable smile that comes across a woman’s face when she receives the Smart Works experience of care, inspiration, and empowerment. Something changes for her in that moment, and sets her on a path she may never have thought possible,” she continued.
“At Smart Works, you are investing in the future of women, and as a result, the world. I am so grateful to all of you who make this work possible each and every day. Celebrating you from across the pond and wishing you another amazing decade!” Meghan concluded.
The message was published with a group photo showing Client Champions at Smart Works’ 10th-anniversary celebration on Thursday.
Meghan Markle visits Smart Works in 2019.Clodagh Kilcoyne - WPA Pool/Getty
Since its launch in 2013, Smart Works has worked with over 32,000 women and 665 volunteers, opened 11 centers and watched 69% of women in the community get the job. Meghan paid “several private visits” to Smart Works hubs both before and after becoming a patron, the charity said.
The Duchess of Sussexmemorably madea stop at Smart Works for her return to royal duty after her maternity leave for the birth ofPrince Archiein 2019, and she launched acapsule collection of women’s workwearthat September.
She’s stayed connected to the cause following her family’s transatlantic move, makingvideo callsand sending supportive messages to women job hunting with Smart Works.
In March 2021, Smart Work revealed that she senthandwritten notesto wish luck to job hunting women. Penning a personal message to each woman, Meghan put hercalligraphy skillsto good use — addressing and signing each message with a sentence or two of encouragement in her own handwriting.
For one client who was preparing for an interview, Meghan wrote, “You’ll be amazing in your interview! Remember deep breaths and be yourself.”
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It wasannounced in 2019that Meghan would support four patronages in her royal work — Smart Works, the National Theatre, the Association of Commonwealth Universities and Mayhew, an animal welfare charity in England. Her patronages of the National Theatre and the Association of Commonwealth Universitiesreverted to the crownafter she and Prince Harry announced their decision to step back in 2020.
source: people.com
